State to purchase 1000 MW power to meet summer energy requirements – The Hindu

Considering the deficient monsoon and its adverse impact on energy production, the State is planning to purchase 1000 MW of power from private producers to meet the increased energy requirements during summer.

Addressing a media conference at Shaktinagar, Raichur district, on Saturday, Minister for Energy D.K. Shivakumar said that the government would soon float a short-term tender. The energy demand would rise to around 10,000 MW during summer and the State could mobilise around 8500 MW that included power generated from its own stations and its share in the central generating stations.

“The State is seeing another drought year. Many of our reservoirs are not seeing good inflow. The poor storage at the reservoirs would affect hydel power generation. Even after we mobilise energy from all sources – thermal, hydel and non-conventional – as well as our share in central generating stations, there would be around 1000 MW shortfall during summer. We will purchase the required energy from private stations and ensure that there is no crisis.”

In order to ensure that Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS), Yermarus Thermal Power Station (YTPS), and Ballari Thermal Power Station (BTPS) generated thermal energy at optimal level, officials would stock sufficient coal that could last for five days at any point of time. “We have also demanded the Union government to allot separate coal block for the State. Due to some litigation, it is being delayed. I hope that it would be solved shortly,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said that he would welcome Kannada cine star Upendra’s entry into politics. “I wish him all the best. I hope that he would, in his political endeavours, uphold secularism and democracy enshrined in the Constitution.”

The Minister later visited RTPS and YTPS and interacted with the officials.